Best Self. Politics. Family. Forward Motion.

My adventures seem to bring me to the best places...

... and sometimes it finds me in spots where I would never consider myself.

Early Saturday,  I was having lunch in one of my favorite spots, and a man found his way in my path.  I was attentive and conversational.

He has an MBA from California - years of travel that included South America, Australia and Europe - his stories were quite posh.  Nervous with me (why are people nervous with me) he was explaining his political view ... which I initially agreed with.

Then I ducked and dodged... 

We were commiserating about the current Administration. (I detest discussing politics.) He pointed out the dismal placement of our country and I attempted to address how 'blue-collar' folks are our foundation.  These men (and women) were the kings of industry. In fact, I believe, this country was founded upon a population who are tradesmen and architects without pedigree.  (Degree.)

He disagreed and pointed out that 'higher' education would 'fix' folks who were lacking in social/political knowledge.

My ears turned red.  I pursed my lips. 

This is why we find ourselves in this odd political arena. 

It's painful.  The more he voiced his ire and discontent -  the more I felt the need to mother-hawk his wrong thinking.  In fact, I brought up my youngest sibling (who I am crazy protective of) and his views that vastly differ from my own.  

I do not agree with my sibling's views.  He and I have this gladiator view of politics.  But mostly - he's my little brother and I will defend family long before politics (which I explained to this pompous individual). 

I am not blue collar. Or gold. Or entitled.  In fact, I don't have the pedigree for such thinking.  I'm a mutt.

Mostly - and in my mind, rightly - my path shows me that kindness paves beautiful opportunity.  Diversity has nothing to do with skin color.  It spans education and background.  Diversity is our differences recognized and celebrated.

And, damn it, ... there's an entire world founded upon hard labor and real work.

May we find ourselves back to this.

And - don't ever call out something that touches upon my family - I don't care who you are - I'll cut you down.

In my most lovely way... whatever that is...

§

A Response To A Beautiful Soul In Texas...

First.  I have never felt that you were seeking accolades or attention.  We live in a society
where women feel embarrassed to sing their own praise.  Forget the email -
forget letting people know your success (but don’t forget that - please -
it’s an important part of living and life) - mostly I was so excited to know someone
else is moving past the beginning margins and doing more. 

Do you do more for you?  The company?  The staff there?  Only you can answer that...

I’ll give you some personal insight as to why I do what I do …

When I started at HCSC my friends told me it would never last.  I am not corporate material and
they were right - I’m not corporate material.  Bucking the system, wrangling the norm -
the path before me was not certain.  In the beginning, on the phones I thought, “I can do this no more…,”
then a path was cleared and I was working written inquiries and I believed, “I can do this no more…,”
next… appeals…. next… Montana...

My path is not ordinary.  I decided to leave my position in Texas and go to an area that was
uncomfortable from the beginning.  Then I realized I was equipped early on in my training with the
company - and with my desire to do right and well for our members.

From Customer Service to managing the pricing and future modeling (pricing) for an entire state -
how could that happen?  Well - simply - opportunity.  Scared out of my mind.  I had an army of women
that came before me who inspired me (and more than a few men as well).  Dee Moore lit a fire in my
scope of possibility.  She was 19 when she started.  She became the VP of FEP.  Wow.  A
colored woman who began 46+ years before I dipped my toe in Corporate America.  Inspired? 
She took my breath away.  She overcame a mountain of racial bias, male/female bias, cultural
can/cannot do - and she did.  She is/was mighty.  

I was 14 when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter - lived in a car for a month while I was
pregnant and married her father when I was 15.  My life before and after her birth has been challenging
- but teaching.  From a background of “you will fail” - I decided I would succeed.  My success is not
my brain - though that’s not a bad attribute - but my real success is my desire for everyone around
me to succeed far beyond my own measure.  Now I find myself in HCSC boardrooms and my first
thought is never about me.  It’s about ‘us.’

Us is our company.  Us is my staff.  Us is our members.  Us is our providers.  I have a kaleidoscope
of people I think about at my every single turn and choice.  Often people ask me, “what’s your goal?” 
… Really?  

The end game for me is to finally achieve a position where I can assist Customer Service … they need
to be recognized in ways that they are not currently seen.  Their job in the most difficult in our
company. (Consider this - I currently evaluate budgets beyond the pale - but I realize the hardest job
is occupied by the beautiful souls that speak to our providers and members.  Theirs is a holy position.)

Please do not ever second guess your announcements of ‘well-doing’ - I wish more women
would celebrate their successes.  Not because they are any more amazing - but success in this world
of ours is amazing.  It’s okay to be happy and to celebrate - even to crow upon high (which you did not
- but it’s okay if you do in the future).

Thank you for reaching out to me and thank you for your kind words.  We do - and can do -
amazing work.  I believe this every single day.

Be safe. Happy. Fruitful. 

- Simone